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If you believe in legends, you can’t help but believe the one about Trevi Fountain in Rome, Italy. According to LivinginRome.com, the legend says that if you drink the water or throw a coin into the fountain, you are ensured a return trip to Rome. With as many as 10 million visitors a year, Rome is one of the most popular vacation destinations in Europe, with many people returning again and again to take in the city’s overwhelming abundance of historical treasures. Whether you’re in Rome for two days or two weeks, you’ll find fascinating sightseeing tours to suit your interests.

History, Art and Cooking

If you have a love for ancient art and history, and enjoy cooking, this is the tour for you. The Art and Cooking Class tour combines a walking tour of some of Rome’s best-loved sites, such as the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain and the Jewish Ghetto with a hands-on cooking lesson at one of Rome’s popular Italian restaurants. An Italian chef will teach you how to make a traditional three-course Italian meal for an end-of-the-day feast. Along the tour, an expert guide will share ancient legends and entertaining facts about Rome. This four-hour tour starts with a guided walk through the vibrant and bustling Campo de Fiori Market, where your senses will be greeted by colorful and fragrant produce, flowers and spices, setting the tone for an exciting and memorable day. WelwalkinRome Via SS Apostoli 20 c/o Time Elevator Roma 00187 Rome Italy 011-39-393-606-32 welwalkinrome.com

Sightseeing on Two Wheels

For a one-of-a-kind way to tour Rome, check out Italy’s Segway Tours. The Segway, a two-wheeled, self-balancing electric scooter, is one of the hippest inventions of the 21st century, and among the coolest and easiest ways to tour Rome. After a short Segway orientation session, your guide will lead you through the winding streets of Rome to see some of the most popular sites, such as the Colosseum, Palatino Hills and Spanish Plaza, as well as lesser-known streets with quaint shops and cafes to give you a feel for the real Rome of today. The small-group tour lasts three hours. Private tours and tours for those who would rather ride on a cruiser bike are also available. Italy Segway Tours Via dei Servi 13 50122 Firenze Italy 011-39-055-239-8855 romecruiserbiketours.com

Power and Piazzas

Get a fascinating history lesson about how powerful families demonstrated their wealth by taking the Piazzas in Rome tour. On this three-hour tour, you will stroll through many of the most cherished and important piazzas of Rome. You’ll learn about how the visions of artists such as Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Francesco Borromini and Giacomo della Porta came to life by creating monumental testaments for noble families who wished to show off their political or social dominance and extravagant style. Your expert guide will take you down secret alleyways and small, quiet streets as you make your way to the Piazza Barberini, Piazza Colonna, Piazza Novona and other magnificent plazas. Along the way, you will learn historical facts and scandalous secrets about Roman life in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. Secrets of Rome Via Quirino Majorana 9 00146 Rome Italy 011-39-392-605-1999 secretsofrome.com

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About the Author

Lisa Brei is a freelance writer who has written for "Los Angeles Family" magazine, "L.A. Parenting" magazine and various nonprofit newsletters and blogs. She frequently covers education, family travel, gardening, children's health and infertility. Brei holds a Master of Arts in education from University of California, Los Angeles.

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